Ill. lawmaker raffles guns to raise campaign cash

State Rep. Josh Harms told The News-Gazette in Champaign that he likes guns and hunting. He says the raffle is a good alternative to accepting money from political action committees or lobbyists.

The Republican from Watseka is selling tickets for $5 each. The top prize in the drawing will be a Ruger Mini-14 rifle. Other prizes include a Ruger revolver and a Mossberg shotgun. Watseka is about 60 miles northeast of Champaign.

The first-term lawmaker isn't sure how much money he's raised. His father bought the guns and two gift certificates also offered as prizes for $1,776 and donated them. Sales will continue into March.